NELSON COUNTY — Log Still Distillery, a startup reviving a historic site in southern Nelson County, expects to create 126 full-time jobs with a $24 million Phase 2 investment as they open Dant Crossing. The 300-acre campus will be home to the distillery and other amenities to be rolled out over the next year.

“We continue to position Kentucky for a better future while overcoming the challenges we all faced over the past year. The growth, success and support of the distilling industry played an important role last year and will continue to move our state forward,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Log Still Distillery not only continued with its plans for growth, but expanded those plans in an impressive way. This company’s vision for the future makes it a great fit for Nelson County and for Kentucky.”

The new jobs will include hospitality, event operations, restaurant and distillery operations positions.

The Homestead Bed & Breakfast, Dant Crossing's first lodging amenity, welcomed its first guests earlier this year, and spirits from Log Still will be available in the coming weeks. A tasting room, amphitheater, restaurant, train depot and event/conference center are some of the amenities the company hopes to open this year. Log Still's products will include bourbon, rye whiskey and gin under the Monk's Road brand and a line of Tennessee whiskeys under the Rattle and Snap label. In 2019, the distillery's first phase was announced as a $12 million investment that would create 20 full-time jobs.

“We are grateful to Gov. Beshear, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet for believing in our vision for Log Still Distillery,” said Log Still Distillery President Wally Dant. “We are thrilled to move forward in creating destinations that will bring vibrancy, jobs and economic growth to southern Nelson County and the state of Kentucky as a whole. Southern Nelson County has been home to generations of Dants, and we are honored to help put it back on the tourism attraction map. We look forward to welcoming guests in the weeks, months and years to come.”

“Investing in tourism and economic development is how we ensure Kentucky will continue to be known internationally as a premier travel destination and the ideal place for companies to do business,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry. “Our advanced distribution network combined with a highly recognized bourbon industry will position the Log Still project for long-term success and continue to bring visitors and jobs to Nelson County.”

Nelson County, known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, generated over $42 million in economic impact from visitor and travel spending in 2019. Kentucky is no stranger to spirits. In fact, it's home to 66 spirits operations employing more than 5,100 people full-time statewide. 

Nelson County Judge/Executive Dean Watts welcomed the company.

“We are very excited to see the continued investments being made by the Dant family. This project will be one of the most unique and inviting experiences that any community could have,” Watts said. “What a great vision and economic opportunity this is for Nelson County.”

Log Still Distillery received approval from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority for incentives through the Tourism Development Act, upon the recommendation of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. Businesses receive annual reimbursement for taxes paid on qualifying tourism development projects admission tickets, food and gift sales and lodging costs. For its Phase 2 tourism expansion, Log Still Distillery will receive a tax incentive totaling $6 million.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) approved Log Still for up to $500,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA) based on the company's investment of $24 million. KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

The company can also receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network, where companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives.